United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday recalled the enduring bonds of cultural affinity between Bangladesh and India and hoped that Yoga will be yet another ‘unifying bond’ between the two peoples in their shared pursuit of wellness and harmony. “As we commemorate this year's International Day of Yoga, we are reminded of the enduring bonds of cultural affinity between our two countries, their strong historical and people-to-people ties, and their relationship founded on the shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971,” he said. High Commissioner Verma noted that Yoga has become a way of life for millions around the world, with Yoga connecting them across borders, cultures and beliefs. He highlighted Yoga’s universality in today’s world and noted that this year’s theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ symbolises Yoga’s role linking individual wellness with global sustainability. The High Commission of India and Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) celebrated the International Day of Yoga with a grand session of common Yoga protocol and Yoga demonstrations by six prominent Yoga institutions of Bangladesh. In her remarks, Director of Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre Ann Mary George said this was the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga. “It was in September 2014 that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, proposed declaring an International Day of Yoga during his address at the United Nations General Assembly,” she said, adding that soon afterwards, in December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly, by consensus, declared June 21 to be celebrated as the International Day of Yoga every year. Popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event held at the High Commission in the morning. The event included participation by a large number of Yoga enthusiasts from Bangladesh who participated in a practice session based on the common Yoga protocol. Prof Yunus’ London visit very successful: Acting Foreign Secretary Many prominent Yoga institutions of Bangladesh also presented Yoga demonstrations highlighting the benefits of Yoga. Senior Yoga practitioners over the age of 70 were felicitated at the event. Besides Yoga enthusiasts and institutions, the event was attended by a number of eminent cultural personalities, artists, media persons, professionals, scholars and youths of Bangladesh. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 11th International Day of Yoga (IYD) event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and led the celebrations of International Yoga Day and took part in the session. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, which echoes a vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility in daily life. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.  Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognising its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21, as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising Yoga.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said he remains optimistic about Dhaka-Delhi relations despite changes happening around, noting that the two countries can really offer to each other something which they do not need to go elsewhere to find. "This is how we look at the relationship. We have so many things to offer each other with our growing capabilities and rising ambitions to grow and develop," he said, reiterating that they strongly support "democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh. He made the remarks during an interaction with diplomatic correspondents at the High Commission on Monday evening, following their participation in a two-phase training programme in New Delhi. Bangladesh had to accept huge Rohingyas under certain circumstances: Touhid Hossain Verma said they are looking at the relationship from a long term perspective much beyond a short-term outlook.  "We need to look at our relationship with mutual sensitivity - sensitivity to each other's interests, each other’s concerns and aspirations," said the High Commissioner.  High Commissioner Verma said they have a strong stake in each other’s progress and prosperity. He said they are really willing to have a "positive, stable and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh with a forward-looking approach which is mutually beneficial.  "It has to be a mutually beneficial relationship. We also believe that people are the key stakeholders in this relationship. We strongly believe that our cooperation benefits the common people on both sides," said High Commissioner Verma.  He said any notion that things are slowed down is not correct and they are working to take forward the relations.  The High Commissioner referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, later their telephone conversation, and Modi's invitation to Prof Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser He also referred to the meeting between External Affairs Adviser Dr S Jaishankar and his Bangladesh counterpart Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the UNGA and recently held Foreign Office Consultations at the foreign secretary-level to give a sense that things are not slowed down.  Verma said there is significant robustness in the relations and essential commodities are coming to Bangladesh from India.  He said there are still more visas than "probably all other embassies put together" in Bangladesh.  The High Commissioner laid emphasis on transforming geographical proximity to new economic opportunities.  Verma said he sincerely believes that the fundamentals of the relationship is strong enough to take them forward despite changes around that they see. He said they are doing everything they need to do to take forward the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.  Phone Call: Sullivan lauds Prof Yunus for initiating vital political, election reforms The High Commission of India organized the weeklong training programme in India for the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and other journalists in two phases this year.  President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu were present.  Former DCAB President and Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, Views Bangladesh Editor Md Mehedi Hasan Rashed and New Age Chief of Correspondents Mustafizur Rahman shared their experiences during the interactions.